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AI & Image Use
“Tidewater Dancewear uses digital tools and AI-assisted imagery as part of our creative and presentation process. These tools help us visualize ideas, clean up photography, and show how a costume may look as a finished design. They do not replace the craftsmanship behind our costumes.”
Before
Digital editing allows us to present our existing costumes more clearly. In this example, the original studio photograph included a well-used and heavily repaired dress form. The mannequin and background were digitally cleaned up while preserving the design, colour and detailing of the actual costume.
After
The background was simplified to keep the focus on the costume—not my home or personal workspace. The damaged mannequin was digitally repaired, while the tutu itself remains unchanged.
The goal is simple: present the real garment professionally without making my private environment part of what I’m selling.
Before
Sometimes a costume is finished and shipped before I have the opportunity to photograph it properly on a mannequin. In these cases, I use the original garment photograph to digitally present the costume on a mannequin.
After
This allows me to showcase my work professionally without using photographs of a young dancer or requiring a client to consent to their child being used in advertising.
Before
This photograph was taken quickly in a rehearsal space under less-than-ideal lighting and from an angled camera position. While it captured the dancer wearing the finished costume, the conditions affected the colour, proportions, and overall presentation of the garment.
After
Digital editing was used to correct the perspective, balance the lighting, and improve the overall presentation while preserving both the dancer and the original costume.
Visualizing Design Intent
AI can also help communicate the design intent of a costume that is still in the planning stage or scheduled for future construction or upgrades. These images are visual concepts—not promises of an exact finished garment.
AI does not replace human craftsmanship. The finished costume is created by hand, using the experience, judgement and skill required to translate an artistic concept into a real, wearable garment.
Concept for Enhancements
The costume on the left is the real garment, currently undergoing its summer upgrades. The image on the right is an AI-assisted visualization of the direction I hope to take those changes.
It allows me to explore and communicate design intent before the work begins. The rendering is not a promise of an exact result—the final costume will evolve through the fabrics, materials, construction and craftsmanship of the real-world process.
